The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Gert Rosenthal ( Guatemala):

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the terrorist attack on 19 October 2012 in Beirut, which killed Brigadier General Wissam al-Hassan, Interior Security Forces Information Branch Chief, and caused numerous deaths and injuries, including among civilians. The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous act and to the people and Government of Lebanon.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this crime to justice, expressed their determination to support the efforts and the commitment of the Government of Lebanon to this end and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Lebanese authorities in this regard. They also recalled the need to put an end to impunity in Lebanon.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of any attempt to destabilize Lebanon through political assassinations and demanded an immediate end to the use of intimidation and violence against political figures. They appealed to all Lebanese people to preserve national unity in the face of such attempts to undermine the country’s stability and called upon all Lebanese parties to continue engaging in the National Dialogue reconvened under the authority of President Sleiman to this effect.

The members of the Security Council underlined the importance of full respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and the authority of the Lebanese State, in accordance with Security Council resolutions